We spend a great deal of time on our bike saddles, so choosing a good one is critical. But if you’re in the market for a new fixie bike saddle, finding the right one can be a challenge.
In this article, we will discuss the best fixie bike saddles and what factors you should consider when making your purchase. So, whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned biker, keep reading for all the details on the best fixed-gear bike saddles of 2022!
Below are just three of my featured favorites. Scroll further down to see my full roundup, or click here.
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What is a fixie bike saddle?
A fixie bike saddle is a bike saddle designed for a single-speed or fixed-gear bicycle. The design incorporates a banana-shaped arch, with the underside ached inwards to fit the user’s crotch area. The saddle also features a raised section that helps reduce pressure on the knee and a recessed section that helps distribute weight more evenly.
State Bicycle Co. Black Label 6061
State Bicycle Co. Black Label 6061
What are the benefits of a fixie bike saddle? (advantages)
Upgrading to a high-quality fixed-gear bike saddle can be an easy way to enhance your cycling experience and performance. Below are some benefits of fixed gear bike saddles.
Improved posture
The best fixie bike saddles provide less pressure on your back when riding, better tailbone protection, and improved posture.
Decrease the pressure on your backside
A good bike saddle can reduce strain on your backside, leading to better blood flow to the rest of your body.
Customizability
The advantages of a fixie bike saddle go beyond simply cushioning your tailbone. It also features the ability to select from various styles, sizes, and colors.
What is the Difference Between a Saddle and a Seat?
A bike seat is a broad term for a bicycle seat. A fixie saddle refers to the bicycle saddle found on a fixie bike. Fixed gear bike saddles are distinguished by their narrow, high-performance shape.
What to consider when buying a fixie bike saddle (what to look for)
Choosing a bike saddle with the right features for you can be daunting, so here are the most important things you should consider when choosing a fixie bike saddle.
Is comfort important to you?
If you’re a casual rider, you’ll probably want to prioritize comfort. So a soft saddle with plenty of padding and gel inserts is the way to go. However, if your commute requires more speed than comfort, or if you don’t intend to spend much time sitting on the seat, you may be able to get away with a stock saddle.
There’s a myth that fixed-gear bike saddles are too stiff and uncomfortable. This is just not the case. They can be very comfortable; you just need to get one that fits your body properly. Leather saddles are excellent because they conform to your unique sit bone structure.
With that said, however, most fixed gear saddles will be very narrow. But you might not be used to that, so perhaps something a little wider might be more comfortable for you. Gel saddles are typically found on comfort bikes or mountain bikes, as they are designed to relieve pain from vibrations caused by riding on rocky terrain. They often feature a wide base with gel inserts in important locations for your sit bones, making them rather comfortable.
Although most saddles include padding, usually strategically placed foam, the location and amount of padding vary by model.
The more casual the saddle, the thicker the padding. There is little to none in racing saddles.
Remember that more padding does not always equal more comfort, especially on longer rides. It can cause weight shifts or chaffing, which could keep you off the bike for a few days.
What shape saddle are you comfortable with?
Your major priority will be finding a suitably shaped saddle. It must fit your body type and riding style. As a general rule, the further forward you lean when riding your bike, the narrower the saddle you require. High-performance bikes have small saddles because an aggressive body stance allows you to ride faster.
The wider the saddle, the more upright your position. Because more of your weight will be pressed into your sit bones, you’ll need a broader saddle to feel comfortable. Because most track and fixie frames have aggressive geometry, you can get an idea of what style of saddle could fit you if you ride a fixie.
Keep in mind that your saddle should fit your sit bones, not your full backside. So you can be comfortable as long as the saddle supports those two locations.
Wider saddles are as durable as traditional saddles, but they have a wider cutout in the center, making them more comfortable and able to fit wider pelvises. They are typically marketed for women due to the wider pelvic support.
How much should you spend on a Saddle?
Don’t assume that something is good simply because it is expensive. It’s entirely possible to find a $30 saddle that works flawlessly. In general, you’ll have to pay more for materials. Carbon and leather are the most expensive materials, but there are also high-performance saddles made of kevlar polymers and other advanced materials developed in the age of material science.
What materials would you like your saddle to be made of (plastic vs. leather)?
Better materials do not guarantee a better ride, but they do reduce weight. Most saddles will be made of either a less expensive synthetic or a more expensive synthetic. A carbon saddle could be torture, whereas a standard plastic saddle could be an air cushion. It all comes down to selecting the best one for you and properly configuring it.
Leather saddles are extremely durable and comfortable while remaining functional. They also look nice. A strip of leather stretched over the saddle frame is used to make some of the best leather fixie saddles. This design suspends the rider slightly above the leather, absorbing some of the rider’s shocks and providing a supremely comfortable cycling experience, even on longer rides.
Other materials you might come across include synthetic leather (Lorica), rubber, and regular plastic. The difference between these saddles is usually durability and not so much comfort.
Consider the rails
The rails of a saddle keep it attached to the seat post and can significantly impact the comfort of your ride. The stiffer your rails, the fewer bumps will be absorbed by your saddle. Softer materials, such as steel, have some flex, which absorbs vibrations transmitted from the frame into the seat. High-end saddles with titanium or carbon rails can magnify every bump.
If you have risers that allow you to sit more upright, you’ll have more leeway in deciding how wide you want your saddle to be.
Do you care about how you look? (style)
What style complements your present bike? Retro shapes are larger and have a subtle curve, but updated styles are slimmer and flatter, with a rounded or pointed tip.
When it comes time to replace your old seat, these factors will help you decide which features to emphasize and which type best suits your riding demands.
If you want even more tips, check out this video called “How to Choose Most Comfortable Bike Saddle for YOU” from the Zach Gallard YouTube Channel.
The five best fixie bike saddles of 2022
Below are the best fixie bike saddles that you can buy right now.
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Best overall fixed gear bike saddle
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This is our top choice for the best overall fixed gear bike saddle for 2022. This saddle is ideal for all riders.
This is the classic fixed gear saddle that got it all started. This saddle, perhaps the most ergonomic alternative, is a staple in the fixie community, and for a good reason. Brooks’ flagship model, the B17 standard saddle, is a straightforward answer to fixed gear saddle comfort issues.
With the B17, the longer you ride, the more comfortable the saddle becomes as it molds to your shape. Although you will need to break it in and condition the leather occasionally, this saddle will last for years, if not decades.
Don’t be fooled by its attractive looks, since this fixie saddle isn’t just for cruising. It’s appropriate for everything except track racing, including touring, mountain biking, and everything in between. In addition, the company backs it up with a 10-year warranty.
Click here to check the most current price of the Brooks Saddles B17 Narrow Bicycle Saddle.
Best fixed gear bike saddle for comfort
This saddle is a great choice for those who prioritize comfort above performance.
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Let’s begin with Selle Royale. This is a high-end bike saddle of the best quality. The manufacturers employed a tridimensional gel filling and a shock absorption composition in the seat. These are the primary reasons behind the Selle Royale’s comfortable feel. And the gel makes it cooler than standard saddles so that you won’t get hot after hours of riding. With its shock absorption, riders feel like they’re riding in thin air.
Furthermore, it enables the rider to sit forward at a 60-degree angle. That means it’s designed for fast rides. Although it is designed for men, women can equally benefit from the large width.
This saddle is completely sealed, making it waterproof. It appears that an aluminum frame was employed in it. Thanks to its sturdy and light frame and steel rails, it won’t break down even on the toughest road surfaces.
All modern bikes, including mountain, road, and cruiser bikes, will fit the saddle. This is a wonderful choice for folks who enjoy off-road activities in tough terrain. It’s also a great saddle for both long rides and quick commutes. Finally, because of the waterproof design, it will keep you comfortable regardless of the weather.
Click here to check the most current price of the Selle Royal Men’s Respiro Moderate Bicycle Saddle.
Best fixed gear bike saddle for high performance
This saddle is great for those who prioritize performance but still want a comfortable ride.
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Brooks England needs no introduction to experienced cyclists. With such a great reputation, it would be foolish to doubt the brand’s quality. It’s a top-tier saddle with top-tier characteristics. The saddle may not appear comfortable enough for lengthy rides, but it is. The saddle has a vulcanized natural fiber and cotton top.
Although it is not gel, it provides adequate comfort. You can choose between a cutout for pressure release and one without. And it is not just for racing. The saddle is great for long trips and short commutes.
The biggest downfall of this saddle, or any Brooks saddle, is its price point. They are pricy saddles, but if you can afford them, there’s no doubt this is the one for you.
Click here to check the most current price of the Brooks England C15 Cambium Bicycle Saddle.
Best value fixed-gear bike saddle for the money
This saddle is great for those who are on a budget and want the best bang for their buck.
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Less is sometimes more. The Charge Spoon Fixie Saddle is a classic fixed gear saddle that riders worldwide adore for its sleek modern design and low price.
It has padding where it counts, but its true value comes from its shape. Many riders have reported that this saddle provides better performance and comfort than professional racing saddles that cost five times as much.
Take note of the Spoon’s grippy surface texture. This one will keep you in place, unlike leather or smooth padded saddles. As a result, it’s an excellent first saddle if you’re a casual fixie rider or commuter.
Click here to check the most current price of the Charge Spoon Saddle Brown Bicycle Saddle.
Most prestigious fixed gear bike saddle
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The Selle Italia Turbo 1980 is a historic cycling brand that any racing fan will remember. It is modeled after the original saddle from 40 years ago.
Some of the world’s top cyclists rode this saddle to victory, and now you can, too. If it can withstand the strains of professional cycling, it’s a safe bet to endure city touring and commuting.
The saddle’s design is timeless, but its manufacture is anything but. Lightweight yet robust materials provide a smooth and dependable ride.
The Turbo 1980 is great for fixies, but there are a variety of variants with varying rails, suspension, form, and padding.
Click here to check the most current price of the Selle Italia Vintage 1980 Turbo Bicycle Saddle.
How I chose these bike saddles (ranking criteria and methodology)
I studied hundreds of reviews from real buyers and testers to determine which bike saddles performed best and were dependable. I selected these fixie bike saddles at various pricing ranges to ensure that everyone can find a bike saddle that suits their needs. I judged these saddles by the following criteria:
Average price (10%)
While this article covers fixie bike saddles with varying price ranges, a fixie bike saddle should be affordable. Thus, I highlight affordability and price as prime benefits.
Features (35%)
Every bike saddle has a unique set of features. Some are better than others. I considered their unique features when evaluating these fixie bike saddles.
Functionality (25%)
I chose these products based on how durable and functional they are. I used real customer reviews and my experience to evaluate their advertised functionality and durability.
Style (10%)
Because let’s face it—we all want a beautiful bike saddle.
Reviews (20%)
I considered positive and negative reviews when evaluating these seats.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do you still have questions? Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about fixie bike saddles.
Why are the saddles on fixie bikes so high?
These seats are so far up that you may question how riders get on in the first place. There is, however, a very good reason why some of these seats appear to be so high, and the answers are efficiency and injury prevention. At the bottom of the stoke, your leg should be nearly fully stretched when pedaling.
How do you choose the best bike saddle?
Finding the proper size bike saddle for your body is primarily determined by the width of the saddle and how effectively it supports your ischial tuberosities (sit bones). You generally want a wide saddle to provide adequate support but not so wide that it causes rubbing and chafing.
How long will a bicycle saddle last?
This depends on your style of riding and how often you ide. However, Road bike saddles generally have a five-to-six-year life span, after which they should be replaced regardless of aging or lack of damage.
Conclusion
Choosing the right fixie bike saddle is as important as selecting an awesome bicycle. The one that can fit your needs and comfort levels well will ensure an enjoyable ride.
This article covered my top five picks for the best fixie bike saddles and how to choose one that’s best for you. Here are some key takeaways:
Key takeaways
- A fixie bike saddle is designed for a single-speed or fixed-gear bicycle.
As a general rule, the further you lean down when riding your bike, the narrower the saddle you require. - The best-fixed gear bike saddles are:
- Brooks B17 Bicycle Saddle (Best saddle overall)
- Selle Royal Men’s Respiro Moderate Bicycle Saddle (Best saddle for comfort)
- Brooks England Cambium Bicycle Saddle (Best saddle for high performance)
- Charge Spoon Bicycle Saddle (Best value saddle)
- Selle Italia Turbo 1980 Bicycle Saddle (Most prestigious saddle)
- The foam that comes as standard on most bike saddles is relatively soft and squishy, so it’s a good idea to sand it down before you fit your saddle lightly.
So, which fixie bike saddle do you own? Did I cover everything you wanted to know? And what do you think of my list? Let us know in the comments section below (I read and reply to every comment). If you found this article helpful, check out my full blog for more tips and tricks on fixed-gear bikes. Thanks for reading, and stay fixed!
